I am on my third layout in 12 years. I enjoy operating, but building the layout is the challenging thinking part. Like Bill W, I do not like wiring, but it has to be done. I am doing it in module like sections. (see photos in "Pennsy Junction")
first was a 8x8 high rail, used white foam to layer the scenery. Dept 56 buildings provided the structures, and ground was white because I was building the layout in Massachusetts during the winter. It took 4 months to complete,,,,then I moved. Chapter 2. Next layout was 8 x 16 and followed the track plan of a Gilbert display layout. I used white foam again to provide scenery. Had 3 independent loops, and had it running in less than a year. While running around in circles was fun for the grand-kids, it did not provide any realistic operations. After purchasing a few scale steam engines, I "upgraded" the outer loop to a two-track scale mainline, with a 3 track yard. I loved switching and use of DCC. But I had to get a larger radius curves, and could not justify re-doing a scale layout on a large 8ft wide board... too hard on the knees. Maintenance was more akin to time out for upgrades, or time experimenting on scenery items. I did build a few scale craftsman structures and a few PRS cars during this period. Trains were always ready to run, even if only for a few minutes at the end of a work day. Chapter 3: RETIREMENT meant I could start over. I had been motivated by SAM POWELL's articles on his rebuild of his layout. The scale bug got me hooked and motivated by photos and correspondence from many S Scalers, I started construction of the new "all Scale" layout in same room, but with open area in the middle. Larger radius curves 48 minimum to accommodate steam locos, limit me to one big loop, but have lots of sidings, and a branch that goes to staging. 2 weeks ago I reported on the first operating session when the 5 year old grandson was in town. That has motivated me to build on, and get the remaining 2/3 of the benchwork erected and the rest of the main loop going. I agree with Brothers Ed L and Dick K that track has to be bullet proof when installed or else you will constantly be reacquainting yourself with work previously built. Terry Dillon Track layer in Burbank CA ________________________________ From: Edward Davis <[email protected]> To: [email protected]; [email protected] Sent: Fri, March 25, 2011 6:16:18 PM Subject: {S-Scale List} Home layouts I have a question for those who have a home layout or anybody that's interested. How much time do you spend running trains ( operating ) compared to building structures, sceniking (sp), or working on locos and rolling stock? I love running trains but there always seems to be something that needs to be done on the layout that interferes with operating. Is this typical? Just curious. Ed Davis Stockton [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
